What I would really like to tell you. . .

Last night, the kids spent the night with their grandparents. I had to work 12 hours and have to work 12 hours today. David has to work today too - so the kids get to spent the night and today with Nanny and Pa. I have to say it - I HATE it when my kids are gone. For the first time, David agreeded that the house was WAY TOO QUITE. While, yes, we could have an entire converstation without a single interruption. And yes, we enjoyed a nice dinner without saying, "Sit down in the chair. Please eat. Please stay on your side of the seat." It was way TOO QUITE! As soon as David finishes up today, he will be picking up the kids. Hopefully, they will be at home by the time that I get there. SO, bring on the noise. Stand up and eat. Interrupt a conversation. Sit in my lap as I attempt to eat my dinner. P.S. Hey kids, I was winning in Wii bowling against your dad last night and amazingly the game shut off. We had to reset the Wii and somehow he won the game. Imagine tha...

This was a wonderful Christmas. Cole and Katie were both in our church's Christmas play. Cole had a really large speaking part - and did really well. Katie said her lines just perfect. This was the first Christmas without my grandmother. I missed her so very much. I am sure that she served her dressing and turkey in heaven yesterday. We had Christmas lunch with my mom and dad. Cole and Katie got so much stuff. Bryan and Dana are going to have another baby. Yes!! We can't wait until summer for it to get here. We then ran over to Dave's mom and dads for dinner. The kids all had fun opening gifts and playing together. By far, the Christmas gifts that are a hit with our kids this year: Cole - Wii and Nitendo DS (He made a point to remind me that I do not like him playing video games) Katie - Bitty Baby twins with stroller and all the doll items. (She is ever the littler mother) Mom and Dad -Wii (It is really lots of fun - and shows you just how much you are really out...

Tonight, Cole found a picture of me as a high school senior. He said that it looked nothing like me. Gee, thanks. I'm not sure if I had changed for the better by the look on his face. Katie then found a picture of David that is about 10 years old. It was taken on a night where many adult beverages had been served, and David along with some friends were feeling very little pain. Katie said that the picture was of her dad in the 80's. She showed the picture to David and told him that he was HOT! Yep, one hot dad from the 80's that is now one hot dad in 2007. Love you Dave!

We are in count down mode. The kids have had their baths. They are watching tv. They are ready for Santa. We have had a nice relaxing weekend. We have had rain. Praise God for the rain. Yesterday, Katie slept until 10:00am. WOW! Cole slept until 8:15! DOUBLE WOW! We never thought that we would have kids that slept in. Today, we had church. The church was full. The music was wonderful. We had a nice lunch at home. I have to say that this has been the most peaceful Christmas to date. Tomorrow we will do more of the same. David is going hunting while the kids and I sleep in. We have dinner tomorrow night with the Walter's. The kids love going over to their house. OH! Tonight we snuck over to our neighbors house and turn their snowman around. Wonder how long it will take them to realize that their snowman is looking at them? OH the fun we like to have!!!

Whew!!! We are back home. We had a wonderful time at Disney with Dave's family. We went to all the parks. The kids had a grand time at the Magic Kingdom. I have to say - we did not miss a ride there. We did it up right. We all ate too much food - except for Monica that really does not eat. She is the only one that was able to loose weight on this trip. By the way, she is the only one that is really in shape too. Maybe we should all eat like her. Oh well, there is always next year to try to get off some weight. Cole and Katie enjoyed spending time with Kyle and KC. The weather was hot and wonderful. The kids did not seem to miss a week of school at all - imagine that. We did homework every morning to stay caught up. On one evening we had dinner at the Coral Reef. It had been a long day and everyone was tired and ready for dinner. We had to wait a long time to be seated. Then we had to wait even longer for our simple drink order. The meal just began to snowball from...

The bags are backed - for the most part. Our darling daughter is asleep and our darling son is finishing up basketball practice. All is calm on Disney eve. Tomorrow the real fun starts. The kids are ready - and yes - so am I. More later. . . .

Yes. It's that time of the year - haul out the holly. The kids now have their trees in their rooms. The house is decorated. We have bought the family three and are going to bring it in today after church. This December is going to be super fast. We leave for Disney soon!!! Cole and Katie are both in the church play. David is in the adult play. We have school events to attend. Snacks to be baked. Food to be bought. Luckily, the gifts are bought and wrapped!! Here comes Christmas.

What am I thankful for. .. . . My wonderful husband my amazing children a God that loves me even when I fall short of what is expected a job that I can work with a flexable schedule my church Park Ridge Christian School - where my children can be theirselves and see God in everyday life Our dog Max and his improving health frozen cookie dough my loving parents my awsome in laws (how many people can say that?) my niece and nephews my home my car (it's still running) David's job our new dishwasher our new fridge my children's friends chocolate Debbie Carter peanut butter and jelly sandwiches Our friends Thank you God for giving me the many blessings in my life. You are awsome! Happy Thanksgiving

Here we are - Halloween - the kids are excited about dressing up - Cole the Tin man, Katie the Lion - Anna Clarie is Dorothy and Isaac is the Scarecrow. We will be heading out to our church's fall festival for Trunk r Treat with lots of other great events. The kids have looked so very excited for this event. Next up. . . . Columbia to the children's museum, the Columbia zoo and then to the beach for some much needed rest and relaxation. Can't wait.

We just finished up a week at the beach. The weather was wonderful. It was nice to escape from the heat. Cole enjoyed putt putt - and a round of golf. It is amazing how well he is playing for his age. He and Katie enjoyed the pool that was with the house. David and I enjoyed having the time away from work. Tomorrow it is back to the old same - but somehow that seems just fine. OH - Cole scored three goals yesterday at his soccer game. Way to go!

I can't believe that the kids have already been in school for six weeks. They are heading into their first school break. I have to admit that I am ready for break too. Homework, projects, lunches, and more homework for two kids is enough to wear a mom out. We have been busy over the past six weeks - our fridge stopped working while we were at the beach - yep, imagine the smell! We had to order a new fridge and I decided to replace the dishwasher. The car has decided to show it's battery light every once and awhile - just to keep me on my toes. The heat has been relentless - the dog has another skin infection - and soccer practice has started. Katie came home with Girl Scout information and Cole's Cub Scouts should be starting up soon. Yep, six weeks are up already. I wonder what the next six weeks will hold?

We have just ended the first week of school. Katie started Kindergarden and Cole is now in second grade. Katie got in trouble the first day of school. She wanted to check in on the "babies" in Ms. Bobby's room. Mind you, the babies are four years old. She did cry when she told me the story, so I know she is sorry that she was in trouble. That is some comfort. On day three of school, she asked if it was school break yet? Greg Jones, at David's work, told him that his son came home from school telling him that a little girl (Katie) told him that he was cute. Katie admited this fact (I have to agree, he is a cute kid). I really thought that we had years before all of this started. Cole is loving second grade. He is already learning the states. They are reading the book Where the Red Fern Grows. He likes his teacher, Mrs. Drake. This kid was made for school. He is like me - loves the smell of new books, loves teachers, and loves reading! Week two coming up!...

This summer we have been very busy. Between the mountains, swim lessons, work, music camp, and VBS - we have had little down time. This week it is VBS. Why does this week make you so very tired. Not only have we had VBS every night - I have also had to work every day this week - which means that they kids have had to be up and ready by 6:30 every morning. I don't know who dreads it most - me or the kids. Well, next week is the beach. I am so very ready to keep a chair firmly planted on my little piece of the beach. Bring on the sand buckets!

Yesterday, I woke the kids up for the last day of school. Cole jumped out of bed and rushed to put on his clothes. He was so excited about the last day of school. I went into Katie's room and announced that it is the last day of school. She sat up, grabbed the covers and pulled them over her head and snuggled back into bed. No matter what - the last day of school did not compare to how her bed felt. It is so amazing how different how our children are. Cole attacks the day, ready for the challange. Katie is slow to respond - but once she's up - move out of her way she is hard to put back down. Cole is very much like me - where as Katie is her father. Knowing this handy piece of information will help me determine where the alarm clock should be placed in each of their bed rooms. Cole's can be beside his bed. Katie will need two clocks - one beside her head to wake her, but then one across the room to force her out of bed. David has two clocks - one that is set bes...

David has been gone now for four days - we have six more days left without him. I have to say that I am very much missing him. This is the longest we have ever gone in seventeen years without talking. He has called me twice from Canada - once I was not at home. His message said last night that he killed a huge bear and that he would call between 5 and 7 on Monday. Although I am glad that he killed the bear, I am more excited about the phone call coming between 5 and 7. Six more days . . . .

Yesterday, Katie graduated from Preschool. It was a very beautiful occasion . She had on her cap and gown (all red). Her class is the 56 th graduating class from her preschool. She had one line in the program, "How did they get here? Did they take a bus?" This was in reference to Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus. It really was a special time. We are very proud of you Katie! Now on to Kindergarten ! Where you have been waiting to go for two years.

We had swim lessons for the first time on Thursday. Both kids really need to learn how to swim. They are taking lessons from a very sweet girl named Hannah. She is a swim coach and teacher. Needless to say, she has experience. Cole was in tears as soon as heard about the lessons. Katie was pumped up and ready to go. When we arrived at the pool, Katie began to cry. Cole was trying to be very brave. She taught them the proper way to enter the pool and talked to them about the difference between the deep end and the shallow end. The lesson started with the dead man's float. Katie was up first. Katie floated and then Hannah told her the proper way to keep her head up so that her ears were under the water. Katie did not like that one bit. Hannah then told her that she would count to ten and then help her up. As soon as Katie's head was floating, Katie began to count. Hannah then informed Katie that she was the teacher and she had the right to be the one to count. Th...

This week I received an email from Cole's coach. He asked if I would go and purchase a cup for Cole so that he could play catcher for the next ball game. I have concerns about my son playing a position that requires multiple layers of saftey gear - I know - I have always had issues with my kids doing something that may cause serious injury. David has laughed at me and all the questions I have asked about the purchase of this cup and how it is to be worn. Cole wants to paint a lightening bolt on the cup. He has also invented a dance to do while he is wearing the cup. Maybe I should be more concerned about what Cole will do while wearing the cup instead of his overall safety. It seems that the team members all hit the person that wears the cup on their cup and they all think that this is very funny. Only boys could do something as this. Girls do not go around snapping bra straps when they see someone wearing a bra. All these years being concerned about safety may have been ...

Last night I reminded the kids that their break was over and that they would be going back to school in the morning. Lots of groaning and I really wanted to sleep until 7:30 was heard. This monrning I woke them up at 7:00 to long faces. They are now dressed and sitting in front of the TV watching cartoons. They ate their breakfast in silence. It's weird how none of this happened in the two weeks that they were home from school. Cole was up before 7:00 most mornings, they had disagreements before 8:00 about what to watch on TV or even what to do, breakfast was filled with lots of talk about what we were doing next - this morning - SILENCE! It's as if they are in a state of mourning! Ah! The sound of silence!

This has been one busy spring break. The kids have logged many miles of walking in the past four days. We have been to the zoo and seen all of downtown Raleigh. We have visited three museums (the Natural Science Museum, the History Museum and Exploris), the Legislative building and the State Capital building. This morning Katie slept until 9:00! Cole was up - of course, at 7:00am. I did convince him that we could sleep in until 8:00. It was blissful. I have to say that this trip to Raleigh was much better than before. The kids were not vomiting - that always makes for a better trip. The weather was nice - it did rain on Wednesday, so we spent some time in the hotel pool. We really enjoyed being with dad! Today has been washing and more washing. We are gearing up for our beach trip. When I told Cole how many different places he was getting to go to during his break he said, "Life is wonderful." I tend to agree.

We went to the zoo today. This is one of David's least favorite trips. I had to promise not to ask to go back for one full year. It was cold this morning, but the weather did warm up slightly as the day progressed. We had a great day. The animals were all out and where you could see them. The monkeys were right up against the window and Cole was amazed at their thumbs and hands. It really was a sweet day. This was also the first zoo trip without a stroller. Katie walked the entire zoo - which is about 5 miles! A trip without a stroller is very different. We did not have to fight our way around people and objects and we were not constantly lifting Katie out of the stroller so that she could see the animals. It was a picture perfect day - thanks Dave!

Today we had breakfast with the Easter Bunny - granted he did not eat - but the kids enjoyed pancakes, eggs and grits. After waiting for about twenty minutes for our picture to be taken with the bunny, we ran out for the Easter Egg hunt. Needless to say, it's VERY COLD OUTSIDE! The wind is blowing - HARD! We hurried inside and got everything set up. The kids had fun decorating cookies, making a craft, coloring, and dying eggs. We never were able to have the egg hunt much to Katie's sadness. We then hurried to have lunch at McDonald's and waited in line with many of the same kids that we had at church. We have now rushed home so that we can make a cake and casserole for tomorrow. I have also made 27 deviled eggs (never again will I volunteer for that job). Don't ask why it's 27 deviled eggs and not an even number - things just happen. The kids are now hungry and I'm really ready to sit. The house smells like eggs and chocolate which is really not a ple...

Last night the deacons at our church had the family meal. To speed the last deacon meeting along, David volunteered to head up this event this year. In the years past, many HOURS have been spent while the men decided what to have and who would be responsbile for what. So, this year, David said, "I'll head it up and call everyone and tell them what we are having." It was the shortest deacon meeting in the past two and 1/2 years. With David working out of town, our little family kicked into action. The kids and I set up all the tables and chairs, got out all the necessary eating stuff, and arranged the room that made sense. Cole maned the drink table like an adult. He filled all the glasses with ice and asked what everyone wanted to drink. He would take the drinks to the tables if the person had too much to carry. At the end, he collected all the finished plates and drink cups. He cleaned up with out being prompted. Katie maned the dessert table - mainly picking...

It seems that somewhere in February I lost my mind. It must have been due to the longing for summer and ready to go outside and play. You see, I signed Cole up for soccer and baseball. He already had Cub scouts going on. What this means is that on Monday, Cole has soccer practice and Cub scouts - Tuesday he has baseball, Wednesday - REST - Thursday he has baseball, Friday we can stay home and Saturday (sometimes at an awful hour of 9:00am) he has soccer games. Now Katie is getting geared up for soccer practice which will start in April and May. Then the kids have to learn how to swim this summer. Someone please help me find my sanity back. I think I left it somewhere either between the soccer field or the baseball field - or it could be in the wash with the soccer socks or the baseball pants.

Today Cole had a soccer game at 10:00. It was COLD outside and the wind was blowing about 25 mph. The field was standing in large puddles of water due to the huge amount of rain that we had had the previous day. I was the snack mom - so we had to be there. I had Katie wrapped up in a blanket and the winds continued to howl. Cole's team started their warm up and Cole kept looking back at his dad and I. After about 15 minutes of warm up, Cole ran across the field. He snuggled under the blanket with Katie and I and said, "I really don't want to play." That's really all I needed to hear. I believe that Cole was the smartest person on the field - including all the adults. He knew that it was really too cold and too wet to be outside running around on the field. When he loaded up into our van he said, "Thank the Lord." We are raising one smart young man.

After a trip to Charlotte, I noticed that my car was making a most unusual noise. This high pitched whine was not normal. Yesterday, Cole said that a second grader asked him if he was yelling in the circle at school. Cole told him, "No, that's my mom's car." To which the second grader said, "She needs to get that car to the shop." So today, I took an anonymous second graders advice and took my car to the shop. As I waited I wondered how much this would set me back. I called David and he said that it should be around $50.00 for new brakes. Well guess what honey, sit down - $298.56. It seems that breaks have gone up with inflation since you last purchased them. Well, at least I can drive Cole to school in the circle without people wondering what kid was being squashed. I wonder if I can ask that second grader for finicial advice.

Today I had to take Max to the vet. You see, I received a phone call on Friday that told me that my very expensive dog will die before he reaches the age of two if I did not have this lab work done and/or a kidney ultrasound. It seems that several of Max's brothers and sisters may also have this condition and the breeder is concerned about how much she will have to fork out to replace all these dogs. Seven puppies is a large amount of puppies to replace and she would like to make sure that all the owners are taken care of. Well breeder lady, here is the scoop - MY DOG DOES NOT HAVE IT!!! I have forked out $161.00 for lab work today to find out that you do not have to give me $700.00. Today when I wrote out the check, I almost had a tear in my eye thinking about how many hours I will have to work to cover $161.00 for lab work for a dog. You see, breeder lady, I will now be spending my weekend at home and preparing all our meals here because of your frantic phone call. We wil...

The kids are midway through their school break. We have had vomit and fun all rolled into one. We spent time with David in Raleigh - I spent a night on the bathroom with a sick child (Katie). I convinced my husband that even though two kids had been very sick that somehow we would not get it too. Somehow that has worked. We have been to two museums and one Gold and Blue banquet. Cole had the most achievement awards given at the banquet. It was a wonderful moment. We only have six days left - I am not ready for school to start back. Bring on summer break! More museums and less vomit!

Last night was Cole's recognition for Upward Basketball. It was really awesome. They called out EVERY SINGLE PLAYER IN THE LEAGUE!!! That took like 30 minutes - or at least it seemed. Then this basketball group took to the floor where they mesmerised the kids by running then landing on a small trampoline and slamming the ball into the net. Needless to say, all the boys were in shock. This was followed by a really amazing ventriloquist that was by far the funnest show I have seen in a long time. It was a neat evening. Today, we had the Pine Wood Derby. Cole and David have been working on their car for weeks. My kitchen has resembled a car shop on drugs for weeks. The tools, the sanding paper, the tiny wheels and axles . I have to say, many hours went into this car. The event went very well. Cole's car finished sixth. We were proud of his finish. He had lots of fun. They are already planning the next car. I only hope to relocate the building process to another ro...

This morning the kids got up extra good. They had a treat waiting for them at breakfast - candy, new crayons, paper, and a new stuffed animal. They were all smiles. When I picked them up from school they had a huge bag full of goodies. When they got home, they dumped the bags and began the candy sort. They traded candy back and forth for several minutes. They then walked into my bedroom where I was folding clothes. Cole had a bag in his hand with candy. They said that it was for me and then Cole added and Daddy. It was really one of the sweetest things in the world. David sent me flowers today. We really do not "do" this holiday so it was a big surprise for me to get flowers. When Katie saw them she said that her daddy was in love with me. What a great thing! Guess what - I'm in love with him too!

Today was Cole's last basketball game of the season. They have never won a game - until today! We finally won by one point. It was a wonderful game full of back and forth. Cole stole the ball for the first time and made many attempts at a basket. He has really become agressive this season. This is from a child that did not like to be in the gym while a game was going on because he did not like the noise. Yes - we have come a long way baby! Way to go Cole. Your mom and dad are super proud and your sister was the loudest cheerleader - always cheering just for you! There is really nothing like being a mom!

Some days I just have trouble understanding. My radiology students were in a funky mood and the techs I work with were kind of in a bad mood too. When I picked up Katie today she called a little boy a pig. Not proper behavior for school. Then Cole has just been what ever with his mood. Max has been successful in peeing on a leather chair that a kid left him on alone and I have just discovered we are out of paper towels. Some days just have trouble making sense. Maybe tomorrow will be better - Katie will not call anyone a name, Cole will smile, my students will be ready to learn, and the techs I work with will be more understanding, and I will have paper towels. At least I can go buy the paper towels - only God can help the rest.

I have never thought so much about little boys underware until yesterday. I decided to clean out (long overdue) Cole and Katie's drawers. I wanted to get out all the summer clothes to pack up for the consignment store. I tackled Cole's stuff first. It seems that his sock and underware drawer had not been cleaned out for a couple of years - I know - Mother of the Year once again! At the top of the drawer were the white underware that he now wears follwed by boxer shorts that he likes to wear at home and sleep in. The next layer had SpongeBob and Scooby Do. And even deeper we found dinosauers, trucks and more Scooby. The plain white underware just seems so grown up. I miss the prints of boyhood. We are now wearing the under pants of puberty! These are the under pants of growing up and asking questions! That's it! I'm cleaning out the white underware and he will be forced into a size six SpongeBob - it does not matter if he walks funny. God help me!

Yesterday, show n' tell was to bring something white. Of course, Cole thought of Max. So I loaded Max up to take him to school. Cole stood in front of his class and told the class that Max was his dog. He said that Max liked to lick him in the face and that his breath smelled like dog food. All the kids then wanted Max to lick them in the face so that they could agree with Cole. I believe that this kind of activity continues way into college life - you really should smell this or you really should try this. Heck, I think that it continues into adult life too - Hey honey, can you smell my shirt? Show n' tell just keeps on going.

Last night I was the "helper" for the Cub Scout scrapbook project. Each boy had to make a scrapbook about their family. Over the weekend we took lots of pictures of all the family members so that Cole could have up to date information. I had already pre cut lots of pages and decorations for each boy. The funny part of the evening was watching all the dads attempt to handle glue sticks, pictures and sissors with their sons and complete the scrapbook with all fingers unglued and not cut. Some dads must have received the message of what we were doing and sent their wives instead. David was lucky in that I was helping with this project - he was able to stay home and keep Katie. I was happy to do the scrapbook - just keep me away from the Pine Wood derby Car - tag your it dad.

Today we had a snow day. Funny, we really did not have snow - just our regular old ice that turns into rain and then mud. The kids have enjoyed spending the morning in PJs and eating snacks. Max justs wants to stay inside where it is warm. He kind of gives you a look when you suggest that he goes outside to do his business. This was also the first morning that I have ever experienced having a job that actually closes - the Community College is closed - AH! What a feeling. Now we just need snow - and David.

This morning on the way to school, we had a converstation about Charlotte's Web. Katie wanted to know why the other pig had won the blue ribbon and not Wilbur. I told her because that pig was the fattest. Katie said that that pig did not do anything special - he was just fat. Cole agreed but said that it was a lot of bacon. Katie said, "Yes, he has been eating lots of bacon." Cole then told her that the pig was not eating bacon but would be lots of bacon for us to eat! Cole then told Katie that we could have lots of ham, too! Cole said that bacon and ham came from pigs. Cole then said, I know where turkey comes from - pigs! I then explained that turkey came from turkeys. The kids somehow thought that it was so very funny. Who knows what tomorrows conversation will hold. . . .

Last night, we were eating dinner together. Katie looks at David's cup and says, "The President of the United States." There was a seal on Dave's cup. It was the seal for the Pinehurst US Open Golf match. David then told the kids what it was on his cup. Cole then chimmed in and said, "Yes, Daddy played in that and won. Isn't that right dad?" David then told the kids that if he had played in that and won then Mom could had kept on sleeping on Sunday afternoon. Golf lessons, huh Dave? Mom sure did enjoy her nap.